Does a New York repair shop have to provide a written estimate?
A New York repair shop must obtain authorization before performing work and provide a written estimate when the customer requests one. Permission is required before exceeding the estimate; specified repair documentation must be retained for two years.
New York repair authorization, estimates, and two-year records
New York repair shops must obtain customer authorization before performing services. If the customer requests a written estimate, the shop must provide one and may not exceed it without permission. Shops must retain specified estimates, work orders, invoices, parts purchase orders, and appraisals for two years.
You perform covered repairs for customers in New York.
Check recent repair files for required estimates or waivers, customer authorization, added-work approval, itemized invoices, and required record retention.
Audit recent files for customer authorization before work, requested written estimates, approval before estimate overruns, and two-year retention of the repair documents required by DMV rules.
Official source and review date
New York DMV — Know Your Rights in Auto Repair ↗ · Additional official source ↗
Our reference was verified Sep 24, 2026. For the complete scope, exceptions and exact wording, use the official source.
For informational shop planning only. Not legal advice or a complete inventory of local and Federal requirements. Verify the official source and applicability before changing shop procedures.